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Pointers For Travelling Pedestrians

Knowing local street-crossing styles could make the difference between happy and hurt.

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1. Bangkok: Sometimes it’s better to take matters into your own hands. As you step off the footpath, either hold up your hand or motion downwards to give drivers warning that they need to slow down and stop as you cross.

2. Rome: Slow and steady is key. Step off the curb and the flow of traffic will miraculously part around you. However, hesitate and you’ll mess up the drivers’ timing and find yourself at the receiving end of angry horns.

3. New York: According to Lonely Planet, New Yorkers can be careless and will cross the road without a thought about oncoming cars. When checking traffic, if you make eye contact with a driver you have to give right of way – it then becomes your responsibility to avoid the vehicle.

4. Vietnam: If you walk at a steady pace, motorists will race around you with ease. But if you stop suddenly you could find yourself at the mercy of one of many speeding scooters.

5. United Kingdom: While traffic is relatively tame, the “Look right” directions aren’t always enough. Considering all the one-way streets, bustling city traffic and cyclists at every angle, Lonely Planet advises you get into the habit of looking both ways at every crossing.

6. Germany: It’s uncommon to see locals straying from designated crosswalks. Although this good behaviour is common sense, it might also have something to do with the presence of police who have been known to issue jaywalking tickets.